The Proposal

Waterfall Proposal Story

Benjamin and I have been dating for more than a hot minute. At the time of our engagement, we had been together for four and a half years. This is the sort of thing that elicits “FINALLY!” from one’s mother when one calls her with one’s good news. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Benjamin and I had long meant to travel to the Pacific Northwest for a vacation. I had never been to Oregon or Washington and had very romantic ideas about it—the forests, the organic food, the moose. Mooses. Meese? I’m going with moose. When our spring breaks aligned in 2015, we decided to bite the bullet (AKA fork over the cash) and headed out to Seattle and Portland.

I’ll admit, it occurred to me that this might be The Trip Where It Happens. Benjamin knew I was more than ready to be engaged, but I wanted the whole shebang and refused to press the issue further (or even mention it) for fear of ruining any plans he had. So, we went whale watching, tried out local breweries and restaurants, and took a day trip to the Willamette Valley for some wine tasting. We were having a wonderful time, but by our second to last day, I did think that I might once again be a Sad (Ring-less) Panda on the plane ride home. But what could I do?

Well, I completely forgot about it, that’s what I did. I know it sounds like I’m lying—but on that last morning, a proposal truly didn’t even cross my mind. Not when Benjamin insisted on driving to see a waterfall before we headed back to Seattle for a grand, fancy dinner. Not when we were standing, admiring the waterfall. Not as I started wandering back to the car, slightly hungover and ready to get on the road.

It was only when I turned around and saw that Benjamin was not following me, but standing there on the overlook with tears in his eyes, that I realized what was happening. I went back to him and gave him a kiss as he choked out, “I had a whole speech planned!” and got down on one knee. He asked me to marry him and I said that I would, and he put the ring on my finger just like in the movies.

As this scene was concluding, a man and his two sons were walking up to the overlook. I asked excitedly, “Would you take our picture? We just got engaged. Like, just now.” And as the man took my phone he said, “Oh! Well, I just got divorced.”

comments

Love it! Boyfriend and I will be at 5.5 years at the end of November and I’m reeeealllllyyyyy hoping there’s a proposal sometime before the end of 2016! But we’ll see. I’m in the same boat as you were – he knows I’m ready, and I don’t want to push it any more. *le sigh*

@futureMFG ugh, that’s the worst! Usually I’m totally anti-surprise and not afraid to speak my mind (AT ALL) but in this case I was terrified of ruining it in case it was just around the corner. And then of course I magically forgot about it in the nick of time 🙂 The holidays are a lovely time for an engagement!! Sending good vibes <3

When Mr. Eel asked/told my parents he was going to propose my mom said the EXACT same thing. Probably a symptom of being a slightly older bride and like you, being together for four years. Either way it was hilarious!